Ask The Planner

Here's a question that I received as a comment for my post on Destination Weddings. 

Q: Thanks soooo much for doing this post. I have been thinking loooong & hard about this option!

D, I've decided that I want to have a destination wedding with a really grand reception/party for all my family & friends when I get back. Now of course pricing can be high no matter what you do (depending on how BIG you do things) however I was looking at this option as a way to save $$. Do you think this is a smart plan or is this just as expensive (generally speaking) as a traditional church wedding/reception?  Keep in mind that I plan on having approx. 25-30 ppl at the destination.

A: A destination wedding will definitely cut the cost of your wedding. Like you said, the cost can still get high depending on the choices you make but generally speaking it can cut cost. If your only reason for having a destination wedding is to cut cost than it would defeat the purpose if you come home and have a grand reception. If you want to have a reception/party when you return for those who couldn’t make it there are ways to do it without it being too pricey.


1) Instead of the tradition wedding reception, host a cocktail party. Serve heavy hor’douvers instead of a 3 course meal. Have a lounge style seating with couches and high ball tables. Have simple but elegant décor. This will decrease the cost of servers, food and floral.

2) If you leaning towards the summer months, you can host a barbeque and still make it look like a wedding celebration. It can casual but still elegant.

3) Remember, you already had a wedding so keep in mind that some of the traditions elements that add to the cost can be eliminated. So as exciting as it may be, resist the urge to hire a photographer, videographer, expensive invitations and so on. Keep it simple, remember you are already married. This party will be an extended celebration

Deniesha Joseph,
Wedded Luxe - Luxury Wedding Planning & Couture Designs
DJoseph@weddedluxe.com
http://www.weddedluxe.com/
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718.938.4713

Ask The Planner - Cocktails or Mocktails?

Q: My fiancé and I are Christians and we do not drink alcohol at all. Most of our guests are Christians as well but some of our guests do drink socially. We do not wish to serve alcohol for our reception. All of our friends and family know we don’t drink so I think they will be fine with a non alcoholic reception. I want to serve non alcholic versions of popular drinks like daquiries and pina colodas but a couple of my friends are telling me to serve some alcohol. Also I don’t want my guest drinking and driving. Is this a good idea or will my guest be disappointed?

Thanks,

Soon to be Mrs. Browne

A: Well first congratulations on your engagement and I hope the planning process is going well. Your friends and family do respect your beliefs but you have to respect their choice as well. I’m sure when they visit your home; they do not expect to have a glass of wine. However this is not a small gathering of family and friends, this is the biggest party you will ever have. People do enjoy having cocktails at a wedding and they look forward to it. I think it’s best to serve wine and beer at the least. This will accommodate your guests that do drink. Your idea of coming up with non alcoholic cocktails is a great idea. Many frozen drinks can be done in a non alcoholic version, like pina colodas and daiquiris. Also, consider the time of day your wedding is taking place. If you’re having an evening wedding, there is an anticipation of alcoholic beverages. You may want to consider an early afternoon wedding. I think this will best suite the type of wedding you are having and people usually drink less early in the day. If you are still not convinced, think of it like this; if you were attending a wedding and the bride was a vegetarian, would you expect a vegetarian meal? Probably not right? It’s the same situation just a different element. I hope I was able to help you solve your planning dilemma.

Happy Planning,

Deniesha Joseph
Couture Events by D
Designed by me, Just for you
http://www.coutureventsbyd.com/
718.938.4713

Ask The Planner

Q: My wedding day is May 2011, when is the right time to start planning my wedding?

A: On average, couples start planning their wedding 18 months in advance. There is a plus side to early planning. You will have a lot more time to save for your wedding and you may be able to get 2009 rates for your 2011 wedding. The down side is wedding trends change every year. You may fall in love with something this year and by next year you will change your mind. To avoid that problem, I would suggest that you don't make any final decisions on decor, themes, colors or more importantly your dress before you reach the one year mark. Save your ideas and if you still love them one year before your wedding, then go for it!! As for vendors and venues, feel free to shop around and see what's out there. Chances are if you like a particular venue/vendor, you will still like them a year later. Just be sure to know their payment and refund policy if you decide to change your mind.

Happy Planning,

Deniesha Joseph
Couture Events by D
Designed by me, Just for you
http://www.coutureventsbyd.com/
718.938.4713

Ask The Planner

Q: Hi Deniesha, My finance and I come from huge families, do you think it's possible to have an elegant wedding with 200 guests on a budget of 15k. Please let me know if you think I'm daydreaming.

Thanks a bunch!

A: I tell all my clients anything is possible depending on the choices you make. Like most brides, I'm sure you want a wedding that you and your guest will remember forever. My honest opinion is you will more than likely have to increase your budget by at least another 10k. But I do have some tips on how to save.

1) Choose an off day for your wedding date. The most expensive day to get married is a Saturday night. Fridays and Sundays are usually cheaper at most venues. Even consider a weekday if possible. An early Sunday afternoon wedding is the cheapest and most convenient option.

2) Keep your menu and bar selection simple. Instead of serving 3 choices for your main course (chicken, beef or fish) just serve chicken. Most people eat chicken and if you have some guest with special dietary needs, like vegetarians, you can ask your caterer or venue to have those meals prepared as well. There is usually no extra cost for this. If you are getting married in a venue where you can bring in your own caterer, have a buffet instead of a sitdown dinner.

3) Be a DIY!! If you are a crafty person, take on some of the wedding day projects yourself, like invitations, programs or favors. There are many DIY kits out there that are fabulous.

4) Look out for sales! When shopping for items like your wedding day attire, look out for sample sales and trunk shows. You can get a beautiful dress at a great price.

5) Shop around and be creative. When you are searching for vendors, like photographers, videographers, or DJ's look around for vendors that may be starting out in the wedding industry. They are willing to offer their services at a discount or sometimes free in exchange for exposure, a recommendation and the opportunity to increase their portfolio. Be sure to make an appointment to view their portfolio and if possible read some reviews from former clients.

6) Track your spending. Keeping track of your spending will help you stay on top of your budget at all times. So when making your selections you will always know how much money you can spend on that particular item. I strongly recommend this because as time goes on you book vendors, you buy things and before you know it, you are way over budget.

Many brides on a budget think they cannot afford a wedding planner but that is not that case. Hiring a planner will save you time and money. A good wedding planner will help you find vendors that suit your budget and give you guidance along the way. I've worked with array of budgets so I know exactly what you are going through.

I hope I was able to help and feel free to contact me if you ever have any more planning dilemmas.

Happy Planning,
Deniesha Joseph
Couture Events by DDesigned by me,
Just for you
http://www.coutureventsbyd.com/
718.938.4713